Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek — 14 Days

Your HSJ representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to the Himalayan Suite Hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to rest, explore the nearby streets of Thamel or settle in. In the evening your guide conducts a full trek briefing — permits, gear check, daily schedule and what to expect on the trail — followed by a welcome dinner.

After breakfast, board a tourist bus for the scenic drive to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway, tracing the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers through terraced hillsides. Pokhara sits at 820 m on the shores of Phewa Tal — with Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) looming directly overhead, you feel the mountains before the trek even begins. The afternoon is free for the lakeside, final gear shopping or rest.

A short morning drive brings you to Birethanti, where the trek begins. The trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola through villages and terraced fields to Tikhedhunga, then climbs the famous stone staircase — more than 3,000 steps — to the Magar village of Ulleri at 1,960 m. It is a demanding first afternoon, but the evening views down the valley make every step worthwhile.

The trail climbs steadily out of Ulleri into cool oak and rhododendron forest — in spring, the entire hillside blazes red and pink. Streams and small waterfalls cross the path as you ascend through Banthanti and Nangethanti to Ghorepani at 2,860 m, a busy ridge-top village with full views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Early to bed tonight — tomorrow starts before dawn.

A pre-dawn start for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) — one of the most celebrated viewpoints in the Himalayas. As the sky lightens, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South and the spire of Machhapuchhare catch the first gold of the day, with clouds rolling through the valleys far below. After sunrise, descend to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek east along high ridgelines and through deep rhododendron forest toward Tadapani, dropping into the Modi Khola watershed to reach Chuile.

The trail descends to the Kimrong Khola, then climbs to Chhomrong — the last major Gurung village and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli towering across the valley. From Chhomrong, descend the long stone staircase to the Chhomrong Khola and climb the opposite bank to Sinuwa at 2,360 m. From here on, the trail enters the Sanctuary corridor — quieter, wilder and more dramatic with every hour.

The trail passes through bamboo groves and damp forest to Bamboo and Dobhan, climbing steadily beside the Modi Khola. The forest thins as altitude increases and the valley walls begin to close in. Beyond Himalaya (2,920 m), the trail climbs past Hinku Cave to Deurali at 3,230 m — the last settlement before the Sanctuary. The air is noticeably cooler and the peaks feel close.

The most dramatic day of the trek. From Deurali the trail crosses open moraines and enters the Annapurna Sanctuary — a vast glacial bowl enclosed by some of the highest peaks on earth. Machapuchare Base Camp (3,700 m) is reached after roughly three hours; pause here beneath the sacred spire of Machhapuchhare before the final two-hour push to Annapurna Base Camp.

At 4,130 m, the Sanctuary opens in every direction. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m) and Machhapuchhare (6,993 m) form a complete 360-degree amphitheatre. Sunset and sunrise here are unforgettable — walk outside after dark for extraordinary stars.

Rise early for the morning light on the peaks before beginning the descent. The route retraces through MBC, Deurali and Dobhan, dropping steadily back into the forest. By the time you reach Bamboo at 2,310 m, the temperature has risen and the dense green of the lower valley has returned. The descent is long but the legs are rewarded with a warm meal and the satisfaction of having stood in the Sanctuary.

Climb back to Chhomrong and descend the stone steps to Jhinu Danda at 1,780 m. Here, natural hot spring pools sit at the edge of the Modi Khola river — a 10-minute walk from the village and the perfect remedy for a week of mountain walking. Soak as long as you like, then enjoy a relaxed evening at the teahouse.

The final morning of trekking follows the Modi Khola downstream through farmland and small villages to Syauli Bazaar, where the vehicle is waiting. The drive back to Pokhara takes around 90 minutes. The afternoon and evening are free — a hot shower, a lakeside dinner and a comfortable bed at low altitude.

A well-earned rest day in one of Nepal's most beautiful cities. Your guide takes you on a tour of Pokhara's highlights: a boat ride on Phewa Tal with Machhapuchhare reflected in the water, the World Peace Pagoda perched above the lake, Devi's Falls and the cave of Gupteshwor. The afternoon is free for the lakeside cafes, souvenir shopping or a massage. Pokhara in the evening light — with the Annapurna range glowing on the horizon — is a sight you will not forget.

After a leisurely breakfast, the tourist bus departs for Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway — or upgrade to the optional 25-minute flight. On arrival, check in to the Himalayan Suite Hotel. The evening is free for Thamel's restaurants, last-minute shopping, or a farewell dinner with your guide — and don't forget your complimentary 30-minute massage at the Himalayan Suite Spa.

Your HSJ representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your departure. If your flight is in the afternoon, there is time for a final Kathmandu breakfast or a quick visit to Pashupatinath or Boudhanath. Safe travels — and we hope to see you on another HSJ adventure soon.